Wheelchair Positioning for Function

Goals & Objectives:

Course Overview

This intermediate-level continuing education course provides therapists with essential knowledge for evaluating and implementing appropriate wheelchair seating interventions. The course takes a systematic approach to positioning challenges, exploring common issues and solutions by body area. Beginning with the pelvis as the foundation of seating, participants learn how pelvic position directly impacts trunk alignment, head position, and overall function. Through detailed examination of positioning challenges for the trunk, lower extremities, upper extremities, and head, therapists gain practical skills in assessment and intervention selection.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this course, the learner should be able to:

• Apply appropriate wheelchair seating interventions for a client sitting with an asymmetrical pelvic position

• Apply appropriate wheelchair seating interventions for a client sitting with an asymmetrical trunk position

• Apply appropriate wheelchair seating interventions for a client sitting with the lower extremities in an asymmetrical position

• Apply appropriate wheelchair seating interventions for a client assuming destructive postures or demonstrating uncontrolled movements of the upper extremities

• Analyze assessment strategies for a client with a suboptimal head position

• Apply appropriate wheelchair seating interventions for a client sitting with a suboptimal head position to enhance ability to engage in communication, social participation, and feeding